Deny CU 2569 (Pivot Energy): 16​.​7 Acre Solar Power Plant Near Patriots Glen, Millsboro

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The Issue

Residents are asking Sussex County Planning & Zoning and/or County Council to deny CU 2569 (Pivot Energy), a proposed 16.7‑acre solar power plant project on a 45-acre plot near Patriots Glen, due to serious concerns about impacts on homes in the area.

To the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission and County Council:

We, the undersigned residents, property owners, and concerned community members, respectfully ask Sussex County Planning & Zoning to deny CU 2569 (Pivot Energy DEL045).

Why we oppose this project
It is too large and too close to homes. A 16.7-acre utility-scale solar power plant project is proposed next to established residential neighborhoods, including Patriots Glen.
The impacts on nearby residents could be significant. Concerns include heat, glare, noise, high panel density, environmental impacts, effects on wildlife and coastal/migratory birds, and long-term land use changes.
Property values and future buyers may be affected. Residents are concerned about reduced property values and decreased desirability for future homebuyers near a large solar power plant installation.
Homes in Patriots Glen will be directly and negatively impacted.

The neighborhood includes both one- and two-story homes
Both One and Two-story homes will have direct sightlines overlooking the project due to 15' tall solar panels with insufficient screening to block the view
Many homes have porches and outdoor living spaces
These spaces may face MOVING, industrial-style solar panels throughout the day
The setbacks, buffer, and screening are not adequate.

A ~30-foot buffer with 6-foot plantings will take years—if ever—to screen the site
A 7-foot industrial fence is proposed behind the buffer
Panels up to ~15 feet tall will move throughout the day as they track the sun
These measures will not effectively mitigate the visual and residential impact

Public notice of the first scheduled P&Z Hearing was inadequate.  Many nearby property owners did not received notice 
What we are asking
We respectfully request that Sussex County Planning & Zoning:

DENY CU 2569, or
At minimum,  significantly increase the distance from existing property lines to the solar panels, as well as the density, height and width of plantings in the buffer zone using mainly evergreens.  

 

The Decision Makers

pandz@sussexcountyde.gov
pandz@sussexcountyde.gov
Sussex County Planning and Zoning Board

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates